Empathy

Poem 440 – The Extent of My Knowledge

/ BenDQ / Leave a comment

I am ignorant of the life you’ve lived.
I am ignorant of the world you live in.
I am ignorant of how you feel.
I am ignorant of what for you is real.
I am ignorant of what has moulded you.
I am ignorant of what controls you.
I am ignorant of its expectations.
I am ignorant of its revelations.
I am ignorant of your aspirations.
I am ignorant of your hesitations.
I am ignorant of the shoes you chose.
I am ignorant of the shoes you’re given.
I am ignorant of what you want.
I am ignorant of what you need.
I am ignorant.

Inspired by my conversations today in both pastoral visits and at our Conversation Cafe. I’m astonished by how little I know of the world, and how little I appreciate or recognise the experiences of those around me.
(28.02.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Ben Weber on Unsplash

Poem 419 – Eyes

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I have two eyes.
They’re the only eyes
I’ve ever had.

My eyes are hazel.
My eyes are white,
My eyes are male,
And middle class.

I wonder what
I’d look like with
Two different ones?

I wonder how
I’d see the world
And how the world
would see me if

My eyes were black,
My eyes were gay
My eyes were female
My eyes were rich
Or working class?

I have two eyes.
They’re the only eyes
I’ve ever had
I must remember
That they come
In different types
And mine are mine alone.

It’s been a fascinating day spent with people of a whole range of cultures and backgrounds.
(07.02.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by v2osk on Unsplash

Poem 326 – In My Shoes

/ BenDQ / Leave a comment

A pair of trainers. Comfortable.
Designed for action or
to signal aspiration.

Italian leather. Sharp.
Cut for the City worker.
Ready for business.

DMs. Scuffed, well-worn.
Also ready for business…
…but maybe not the same sort.

Flip-flops casually flapping.
Imagining lazing on
the beach or chilling out.

Precarious stilettos.
Ready to party, although,
they maybe removed to dance.

Bare feet. Also scuffed, well-worn.
Young, with many miles
already clocked. Tired.

(18.10.24)

© Ben Quant 2024
Photo by Michael Wright on Unsplash